Te Awamutu Competitions Society of the Performing Arts:
Concert for New Pianoforte

Story By Marion Mead

The Inaugural Concert was held today at the Waipa District Council Chambers for the new Bechstein Grand Pianoforte. The piano was bought by Te Awamutu Competitions Society of the Performing Arts, with the generous support from Waipa District Council and overwhelming public support.

After introductory speeches by the Society Patron, Dr Bob LeQuesne and piano expert David jenkin, Mayor Alan Livingstone spoke briefly before cutting the ribbon to officially "open" the piano.

An enjoyable concert featured young performers from the Waipa District, including Laurel Hungerford, Andrew Laws, Bonnie Lee, Grace and Olivia Francis, Ryan and Oliver Plowright, Catherine and Gabrielle Peake and Emma Wulff.
Sarah McOnie sang, accompanied by Francis Cowan, and the entertainment ended with the popular Rosetown Choristers conducted by Janet Harper, accompanist Helen Empson. This was followed by a delicious afternoon tea.

The piano will be housed at the Council Chambers and used for the society's annual competition festival. It will also be available for other concerts, at the discretion of the Competitions Society. Bookings can be made through Marion Mead (07 8716994) or Beverley Bryant (07 8716676).